ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ

How new car manufacturers and startups are turning ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ into an electric mobility hub

Special How new car manufacturers and startups are turning ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ into an electric mobility hub
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Special How new car manufacturers and startups are turning ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ into an electric mobility hub
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​ People check out a car on display during Tesla's official launch ceremony in Riyadh on April 10, 2025. The Tesla electric vehicle company owned by billionaire Elon Musk on April 10 opened its first showrooms in oil-rich ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ, where hybrid cars are still not a common sight. (AFP) ​
Special How new car manufacturers and startups are turning ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ into an electric mobility hub
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ESSCO and EVIQ are among the companies helping to build ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s EV charging network, balancing environmental priorities with user convenience. (Supplied)
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Updated 10 May 2025

How new car manufacturers and startups are turning ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ into an electric mobility hub

How new car manufacturers and startups are turning ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ into an electric mobility hub
  • As global automakers like Tesla and Lucid expand, ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ fast-tracks its EV transition under Vision 2030
  • Public-private partnerships power Saudi EV growth, with firms like ESSCO rolling out climate-resilient charging solutions nationwide

RIYADH: ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s electric vehicle sector is gaining traction, marked by Tesla’s first dealership in Riyadh and a growing network of charging stations, signaling increased foreign investment and a drive toward sustainability.

The momentum aligns with Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s reform plan that prioritizes sustainability and clean energy. As the government sets the stage for widespread electric vehicle adoption, companies are rapidly expanding infrastructure to meet rising local demand.

Industry leaders say the Kingdom’s approach resonates beyond its borders.

“We see ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s efforts in sustainability not merely as a national initiative, but as a global inspiration,†Abdulmajeed Al-Ghamdi, general manager of sustainable solutions company ESSCO, told Arab News.

“With the development of mega-projects and smart cities powered by clean energy and intelligent mobility, we believe the future holds unprecedented potential and we are ready to be a part of it.â€

ESSCO is among the companies helping to build ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s EV charging network, balancing environmental priorities with user convenience. Through partnerships with leading EV charger manufacturers in Europe and China, the company has trained its workforce in installation and operational procedures.

Al-Ghamdi believes ESSCO’s nationwide maintenance expertise gives the company a competitive edge.




ESSCO and EVIQ are among the companies helping to build ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s EV charging network, balancing environmental priorities with user convenience. (Supplied)

“The nature of our company, which also specializes in maintenance, gives us a significant advantage, as we already have high caliber maintenance teams distributed across various regions in the Kingdom,†he said.

“This widespread presence allows us to deploy resources quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and ensuring timely project execution.â€Ìý

To align with regulatory standards, ESSCO collaborates with the Saudi Electricity Company and the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs. ESSCO is also addressing the unique challenges posed by the Kingdom’s vast terrain and extreme climate.

DID YOU KNOW?

• EVs don’t emit exhaust gases, improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

• The global EV market is expected to reach $1.57 trillion by 2032.

• China leads the global EV market, accounting for some 58 percent of global EV production in 2023, driven by its top automaker, BYD.

“These standards are based on rigorous data and research provided by SASO, which plays a crucial — though sometimes under-recognized — role in advancing sustainability efforts in the Kingdom,†Al-Ghamdi said.

Rather than viewing the harsh climate as a hurdle, ESSCO sees it as a chance for innovation.

“Drawing from our extensive experience with solar energy systems in both public and private sector projects, we are actively working on integrating solar power and energy storage solutions into our EV charging infrastructure,†Al-Ghamdi explained.

“By capitalizing on ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s abundant natural sunlight, we are helping pave the way for a more self-sustaining and resilient charging network.â€

The company’s work highlights the growing cooperation between the public and private sectors in building a sustainable EV infrastructure.

“We closely follow the significant role played by the Public Investment Fund in driving large-scale investments in the EV sector,†Al-Ghamdi explained.

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PIF has played a central role in advancing the Kingdom’s EV industry, most notably through its backing of Lucid, a US-based electric vehicle manufacturer.

Lucid established the Kingdom’s first EV production facility and became the first global automaker to join the “Made in Saudi†program — a milestone in localizing high-tech manufacturing and promoting national industrial growth.

The firm’s assembly plant in Jeddah’s King Abdullah Economic City, which opened in September 2023, is already operational, with a full-scale manufacturing facility expected by 2026.

“I’m very proud of the team, what we’ve been able to accomplish in ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ — the first-ever international automotive manufacturing plant in the Kingdom,†Faisal Sultan, vice president and managing director of Lucid Middle East, told Arab News earlier this year.

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Lucid is not the only player driving ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s EV ambitions.

Ceer, the Kingdom’s first homegrown electric vehicle brand, is also preparing to launch its debut model in 2026. The company’s production facility is designed for an annual output of 240,000 units, CEO Jim DeLuca told Arab News earlier this year.

Despite global headwinds, DeLuca remains optimistic — but realistic — about the pace of EV adoption.

In the same interview, he acknowledged that global market growth has been slower than expected, noting that product quality, affordability, infrastructure and government incentives will determine how quickly ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ transitions to EVs.

“The Ministry of Investment is working on ecosystem incentives to accelerate EV adoption,†DeLuca said. “We see steady growth in the early days, but incentives will be key to making EVs the catalyst for ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s automotive transformation.â€

Backed by the PIF, both Lucid and Ceer benefit from an expanding web of financial support, industrial licensing and regulatory frameworks. These tools have created fertile ground for a local EV ecosystem — one that attracts international players while empowering domestic champions.

The Kingdom’s ambitions stretch beyond manufacturing.

In 2023, the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Co. inaugurated a research and development center in Riyadh, reinforcing ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s push toward becoming a regional innovation hub. That same year, the Kingdom launched its first EV fast-charging station in the capital, marking a critical milestone in public infrastructure readiness.




Charging station of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company. (Supplied)

ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s bold push into the EV market signals more than just an economic pivot; it positions the Kingdom as a leader in environmental transformation across the Middle East.

With Vision 2030 in full swing, the country has committed billions to electrifying its transport sector. Its dual-track strategy — nurturing local brands like Ceer while partnering with global manufacturers like Lucid — underscores a long-term commitment to sustainability.

Adding momentum to this shift, Tesla opened its first dealership and service center in ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ in April 2025, marking a key milestone in its Middle East expansion. The flagship Riyadh location offers the Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck. Tesla also plans pop-up stores in Jeddah and Dammam, along with new Supercharger stations and service centers.




People arrive to attend Tesla's official launch ceremony in Riyadh on April 10, 2025. (AFP)

The effort comes as the region, long dependent on oil exports, faces growing international pressure to decarbonize. By advancing EV adoption, ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ is setting a new tone — one focused on reducing transport-related carbon emissions and improving urban air quality in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah.

EV adoption is only part of the equation. With parallel investments in renewable energy — including solar and green hydrogen — the Kingdom is laying the groundwork for a carbon-neutral power grid. This transition could eventually allow EVs to operate with net-zero emissions, amplifying their environmental impact.

Regionally, ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s leadership is likely to influence policy beyond its borders.

As the largest economy in the Arab world, the Kingdom’s bold approach to sustainable mobility may push neighboring Gulf states to follow suit — whether through regulatory reform, infrastructure development or public-private collaboration.Ìý
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Makkah Route Initiative greatly improves Hajj procedures, says octogenarian Moroccan pilgrim

Makkah Route Initiative greatly improves Hajj procedures, says octogenarian Moroccan pilgrim
Updated 18 sec ago

Makkah Route Initiative greatly improves Hajj procedures, says octogenarian Moroccan pilgrim

Makkah Route Initiative greatly improves Hajj procedures, says octogenarian Moroccan pilgrim
  • 82-year-old also praised the warm welcome she received upon arrival at the Makkah Route terminal

MAKKAH: Munira, an 82-year-old Moroccan pilgrim, said she was grateful for advancements in travel and pilgrimage services after recently arriving in ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ to perform Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

She recalled that her grandfather had undertaken the pilgrimage more than 70 years ago, traveling on foot across several countries.

The journey took almost two years and was marked by immense hardship and danger.

“Since I was a child, my father would recount the story of my grandfather’s journey, always emphasizing the struggles he endured,†Munira said. “I grew up believing that Hajj required enormous effort and sacrifice.â€

Reflecting on her own experience, she added: “I never imagined I would reach Makkah in just six hours, sitting comfortably on a plane.â€

Munira described her departure from Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca as smooth and efficient. She completed all procedures in record time and in a “pleasant, well-organized†manner, she told the SPA.

The 82-year-old also praised the warm welcome she received upon arrival at the Makkah Route terminal, highlighting the initiative as a significant leap forward in streamlining the Hajj experience for pilgrims.


Saudi FM arrives in Madrid for talks on Gaza crisis and two-state solution conference

Saudi FM arrives in Madrid for talks on Gaza crisis and two-state solution conference
Updated 40 min 54 sec ago

Saudi FM arrives in Madrid for talks on Gaza crisis and two-state solution conference

Saudi FM arrives in Madrid for talks on Gaza crisis and two-state solution conference
  • Upcoming conference will be co-chaired by the Kingdom and France

MADRID: ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Madrid on Saturday to take part in an expanded ministerial meeting convened by the committee formed during the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit on developments in the Gaza Strip, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The meeting, which includes representatives from the Madrid Group and several European nations, will address the latest developments in both Gaza and the West Bank, with a focus on efforts to halt the ongoing conflict and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Discussions will also include preparations for a high-level international conference on the two-state solution, set to take place at the United Nations headquarters in New York this June.

The upcoming conference will be co-chaired by the Kingdom and France.


Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs meets US delegation in Riyadh

Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs meets US delegation in Riyadh
Updated 24 May 2025

Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs meets US delegation in Riyadh

Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs meets US delegation in Riyadh
  • Two sides review relations between countries, regional, international developmentsÌý

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir met a delegation from the US House of Representatives on Saturday at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The delegation was headed by Michael Lawler, member of Congress and the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee.

The two sides reviewed the long-standing relations between ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ and the US, and also discussed key regional and international developments, as well as issues of mutual concern, the SPA added.

The meeting followed the visit of US President Donald Trump to the Kingdom earlier this month and reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two nations.


Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj activities

Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj activities
Saudi authorities inspect Hajj permits at Makkah entry points for pilgrim safety. (X: @insharifain)
Updated 24 May 2025

Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj activities

Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj activities
  • 21 arrested for transporting, 84 pilgrims caught without permits

MAKKAH: The Ministry of Interior is continuing its efforts to prevent individuals without Hajj permits from entering or staying in Makkah and the holy sites, warning that violators and facilitators will be arrested and penalized.

The Hajj Security Forces at Makkah’s entrances arrested eight residents and 12 citizens for transporting 75 individuals without permits to perform Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The ministry issued administrative decisions through seasonal committees against the transporters, accomplices, and those transported. 

Penalties include imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600), public naming of violators, deportation of residents, and a 10-year ban from re-entering ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ after sentencing. 

The ministry has also called for the confiscation of vehicles used in unauthorized transportation and for fines of up to SR20,000 for those attempting Hajj without a permit.

In a separate incident, a Saudi citizen was arrested for transporting nine visa-holding expatriates without Hajj permits, the SPA reported. 

All individuals involved have been referred to relevant authorities to enforce the prescribed penalties.

The ministry has urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations to ensure the safety of pilgrims. It warned that performing or attempting Hajj without a permit from April 29 to June 10 was prohibited. 

The ministry has encouraged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom.

Meanwhile, security patrols in Makkah have arrested four Indonesian expatriates for fraudulently promoting fake and misleading Hajj campaigns on social media, and falsely offering accommodation and transportation within the holy sites.

They were also found promoting forged Nusuk Hajj cards and violating Hajj regulations by harboring 14 individuals without permits in a building.

The suspects were detained, legal action was taken, and they were referred to the Public Prosecution. Those harbored were referred to the competent authorities for the prescribed penalties.

Hajj Security Forces last week arrested 43 residents and 39 citizens in separate incidents for transporting 259 individuals without Hajj permits.

According to a recent report by the General Directorate of Passports, a total of 890,883 pilgrims from abroad have arrived in the Kingdom for Hajj from air, land, and sea.

The directorate reaffirmed its commitment to streamlining entry procedures by equipping all ports with advanced technology and multilingual staff.


Kingdom arrests 13,118 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 13,118 illegals in one week
Updated 24 May 2025

Kingdom arrests 13,118 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 13,118 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 13,118 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 8,150 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,344 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,624 for labor-related issues.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.